Dedicated to All Better

Whether treating a toddler in an emergency or supporting a teen through chemotherapy treatments, we are dedicated to the care of each patient. It’s through teamwork at every level of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and with you, the family, that we are able to achieve excellence in pediatric care.

To make kids better today and healthier tomorrow

With a proven track record of providing world-class care to patients in more than 30 pediatric specialties, we are a model for other pediatric hospitals. Infants, teens and young adults belong in a children’s hospital where they can get specialized treatment from caregivers who know the important differences between children and adults.

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Seeking answers to challenging medical conditions

Research is a cornerstone of the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta mission to enhance the lives of children. In conjunction with Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia Tech and Morehouse, Children’s seeks answers to the most challenging childhood medical conditions through teaching and research.

Getting Kids on a Healthy Track—Simplified

We all want happy, healthy kids. But as a busy parent, helping your kids eat well and stay active can be a challenge.

At Strong4Life, created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, our doctors, nutritionists and wellness experts create fun, easy ways to help your kids eat, move and live healthier. From picky eaters to passionate gamers, we have a slew of simple tips by experts who understand, because we’re parents, too.

Make a difference in children’s lives

As a not-for-profit organization, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta relies on the generous financial and volunteer support of our community. Your donations directly impact the lives of each family served by Children’s and support many initiatives such as clinical excellence, research, teaching, wellness and charity care.

Video Games Make Therapy Fun

Computer Assisted Relaxation

Kids love video games, and most would rather play than do therapy for treating extreme pain. Computer-assisted relaxation training incorporates video games in both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Jennifer Schmidt, Psy.D., pain psychologist, says it can work wonders.

“It trains kids on how to induce relaxation, mindfulness and proper breathing techniques through the use of various video games that give them feedback on their respiratory rate and also heart rate,” she explains. “It’s pretty cool. They get to see the results of their work as they are playing.”

Patients at different ages and levels of pain can benefit—from post-surgery pain to frequent leukemia-related migraines.

Sensors attached to the patient’s fingers measure their breath and heart rates. On an inhale, they may see leaves on a tree grow, and then fall as they exhale. They could also see a butterfly open and close its wings.

Dr. Schimdt uses the video games for patients from ages eight to 21, and she suggests different gaming scenarios based on the age of a patient. For those patients who are not old enough to use this computer-assisted relaxation program, she uses other techniques to help them breathe or relax. “For the younger kids, we blow bubbles to teach deep breathing,” she explains. “I’ll also use distraction techniques and teach progressive muscle relaxation using images of animals, like tucking your head in like a turtle and learning to pull the shoulders and release. Those programs use more direct instruction combined with play activities.”